Description
Gary Allan – Ruthless – Vinyl Record
Ruthless is the tenth studio album by American country music artist Gary Allan, released on June 25, 2021, via EMI Nashville. The album marked Allan’s return after an eight-year hiatus since his previous album, ‘Set You Free’ (2013). Known for his blend of traditional country music with rock influences and his gritty, emotionally resonant voice, Allan has established himself as a distinctive figure in country music over the years. Ruthless continues this trend, offering a mix of heartfelt ballads and uptempo tracks, exploring themes of heartbreak, resilience, and personal growth.
The album was highly anticipated by fans, as Allan had teased new music for several years. With Ruthless, he revisits the raw, honest storytelling that has made him a standout in country music, while also experimenting with modern production elements.
Gary Allan began working on Ruthless as early as 2015, but the album’s release was delayed due to various factors, including Allan’s search for the right sound and the influence of changing trends in country music. The album was produced by a mix of veteran Nashville producers, including Mark Wright, Tony Brown, Jay Joyce, and Greg Droman—all of whom have worked with Allan before. This mix of producers helped create a diverse sound that blends Allan’s traditional influences with more contemporary elements.
Throughout his career, Allan has been known for his ability to channel personal pain and struggle into his music, and Ruthless continues this tradition, with songs that reflect on love, heartbreak, and resilience. The album’s title reflects the emotional rawness and honesty that characterize much of Allan’s music.
Ruthless features a range of songs that showcase Gary Allan’s versatility as a vocalist and storyteller. The album moves between traditional country ballads and more rock-leaning, uptempo tracks, with Allan’s distinctive voice tying it all together.
‘Temptation’ – The album opens with a moody, atmospheric track that blends country and rock influences. ‘Temptation’ is a sultry song about giving in to desire, featuring dark, brooding instrumentation and Allan’s gravelly voice, which adds a layer of intensity to the song.
‘Waste of a Whiskey Drink’ – This track has a more classic country feel, with its storytelling lyrics about avoiding a bad relationship. The song’s clever wordplay and uptempo rhythm make it one of the more radio-friendly tracks on the album. Allan’s delivery adds a touch of humor and wit to the song’s message of dodging heartache.
‘Slide’ – One of the more rocking tracks on the album, ‘Slide’ features driving guitar riffs and a more aggressive tone. The song captures the excitement and danger of a fast-paced, no-strings-attached relationship, with Allan delivering a passionate vocal performance.
‘Pretty Damn Close’ – A romantic ballad, ‘Pretty Damn Close’ reflects on finding someone who feels perfect for you. The song’s warm production and Allan’s heartfelt delivery make it a standout track that showcases his ability to convey emotion in a tender, understated way.
‘High as I’ve Ever Been’ – This track takes a reflective, laid-back approach, with lyrics that describe the feeling of emotional and personal freedom. With its relaxed tempo and breezy instrumentation, ‘High as I’ve Ever Been’ gives the album a moment of introspection.
‘Ruthless’ – The title track is a poignant, emotional song that deals with the aftermath of heartbreak. Allan’s gravelly vocals shine on this track, as he sings about the pain of lost love and the difficulty of moving on. The raw emotion in his delivery makes this song one of the most impactful on the album.
‘Sex’ – One of the album’s more edgy tracks, ‘Sex’ blends country with rock elements, featuring bold lyrics and a sultry vibe. Allan’s deep, raspy voice gives the song a sense of danger and allure, standing out as one of the more provocative songs on the album.
‘Trouble Knows Trouble’ – This track is a gritty, blues-inflected song that reflects on the cycle of mistakes and bad decisions. Allan’s vocals, combined with the swampy, bluesy production, make this song one of the album’s more raw, emotionally charged moments.
‘Little Glass of Wine’ – A classic country ballad, ‘Little Glass of Wine’ finds Allan reflecting on lost love, with the wine serving as a metaphor for bittersweet memories. The song’s traditional production, featuring pedal steel and acoustic guitars, gives it a timeless feel.
‘Unfiltered’ – This track captures the raw honesty that has become a hallmark of Allan’s songwriting. The song’s lyrics deal with confronting uncomfortable truths and facing life head-on, with Allan’s vocals delivering the message in a direct, no-nonsense way.
Ruthless explores familiar themes in Gary Allan’s music: heartbreak, resilience, love, and self-reflection. The title of the album reflects the emotional rawness and honesty that runs through many of the songs, as Allan continues to channel personal experiences into his music.
The album blends traditional country elements, such as pedal steel and acoustic guitar, with more modern production techniques and rock influences. Songs like ‘Ruthless’ and ‘Trouble Knows Trouble’ lean into darker, more introspective themes, while tracks like ‘Waste of a Whiskey Drink’ and ‘Pretty Damn Close’ offer more lighthearted, radio-friendly moments. Allan’s distinctive, gravelly voice serves as the emotional anchor throughout the album, giving weight to the themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Ruthless received positive reviews from critics, with many praising Gary Allan for staying true to his country roots while incorporating contemporary influences. Allan’s ability to balance traditional storytelling with modern sounds was highlighted as one of the album’s strengths. His vocal performance was also widely praised, with critics noting the emotional depth and authenticity he brings to each song.
The album performed well on the country charts, and fans responded positively to Allan’s return after a long hiatus. ‘Waste of a Whiskey Drink’ was particularly successful as a single, receiving airplay on country radio.
Ruthless marked a strong return for Gary Allan after several years without new music. The album reinforced his place as one of country music’s most distinctive voices, with his mix of emotional honesty, rock influences, and traditional country elements resonating with both longtime fans and new listeners.
For fans of country music, Ruthless is a testament to Gary Allan’s staying power and his ability to evolve while remaining true to the heart of his sound. The album is a reflective, deeply personal work that showcases Allan’s range as both a vocalist and a storyteller.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Temptation
Waste of A Whiskey Drink
Till It Felt Like You
Slide
Pretty Damn Close
High As I’ve Ever Been
What I Can’t Talk About
Sex
Trouble Knows Trouble
Ruthless
Unfiltered
Little Glass of Wine
The Hard Way
